# Horthy's Raid in the Strait of Otranto (15 May 1917)

URL: https://allhistories.com/hungary/timeline/1917-horthy-s-raid-in-the-strait-of-otranto
Themes: Wars & Battles

On 15 May 1917 an Austro-Hungarian squadron of three light cruisers under Captain Miklós Horthy attacked the Otranto Barrage, the line of Allied drifters blocking the exit from the Adriatic Sea to submarines. It was the largest surface engagement in the Adriatic during the war. Horthy's ships sank fourteen drifters and, with supporting destroyers, an Italian destroyer and part of a small convoy, but were then intercepted by British and Italian cruisers. His flagship Novara was badly damaged and Horthy himself was wounded, yet the squadron escaped back to Cattaro after other Austro-Hungarian vessels arrived. The Austro-Hungarian cruisers had been disguised to resemble large British destroyers. Hailed as a hero, Horthy was promoted in early 1918 to commander of the Austro-Hungarian fleet, a position he held until the monarchy's collapse.

## Why it matters
The Otranto raid built the reputation of Miklós Horthy, who would lead Hungary as regent for almost a quarter of a century after 1920.

Ruler at the Time: [Charles IV](https://allhistories.com/hungary/rulers/charles-iv)

Prime Minister: Count István Tisza (Liberal Party (Szabadelvű Párt))

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Battle of the Strait of Otranto (1917)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Strait_of_Otranto_(1917))
- [Wikipedia — Miklós Horthy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miklós_Horthy)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Horthy's Raid in the Strait of Otranto](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Horthy%27s+Raid+in+the+Strait+of+Otranto)
- [Wikipedia — Austria-Hungary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of Hungarian history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Hungarian_history)